When is Proton Therapy Recommended?

• Brain and spinal cord tumors – especially in children and young adults.

• Head and neck cancers – where vital nerves and organs are nearby.

• Pediatric cancers – minimizes long-term side effects of radiation.

• Lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer – in selected cases.

• Re-irradiation cases – when a patient needs radiation again after previous treatments.

Benefits of Proton Therapy

• High precision → minimizes damage to healthy tissues.

• Lower risk of long-term side effects.

• Safer option for children (reduces impact on growth and development).

• Allows higher radiation doses to tumors, improving effectiveness.

• Better quality of life during and after treatment.

Risks and Limitations

• Side effects similar to conventional radiation (fatigue, skin irritation, mild nausea).

• Very high cost compared to traditional radiation therapy.

• Availability is limited in India to a few advanced cancer centers.

• Not always superior to standard radiation; suitability depends on cancer type and location.

Cost of Proton Therapy in India

Proton therapy is one of the most expensive cancer treatments available. Costs depend on the number of sessions required (typically 25–35 fractions), hospital infrastructure, and cancer type.

Table 1: Average Cost of Proton Therapy in India

Factors Affecting Proton Therapy Cost

1. Cancer type and location – complex tumors may require longer treatment.

2. Hospital and city – only select centers in India currently provide proton therapy.

3. Number of sessions (fractions) – total cost depends on treatment cycles prescribed.

4. Supportive care – diagnostics, imaging, anesthesia (for children), and ICU care if required.

5. International vs domestic patients – pricing structures may differ.